Leverage
June 8, 2025
Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul drew from Jesus’ use of power what is perhaps the most powerful relational teaching of all — an instruction that changes everything in family dynamics. It all comes down to asking a simple question: What can I do to help?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Talk about a time when someone in your family went out of his or her way to help you. How did it affect your relationship with that person?
What is one thing you can do to improve the way you leverage your power, influence, and resources on behalf of your spouse, your children, your parents or other family members?
What is one obstacle to practicing mutual submission in your family? How can you overcome that obstacle?
Which member of your family do you need to ask, “What can I do to help?” What can the members of this group do to help you follow through?

MOVING FORWARD

Christian families should be characterized by mutual submission. The message of mutual submission is, I’m here for you. The assumption of mutual submission is, You are of no less value than me. The question mutual submission asks is, What can I do to help?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21

HELPFUL DISCUSSION GROUP GUIDELINES

It's a good idea for every group to put words to their shared values, expectations, and commitments. Such guidelines will help you avoid unspoken agendas and unmet expectations. We recommend you discuss your guidelines during your first session together — in order to lay the foundation for a healthy group experience. Feel free to modify anything that does not work for your group.

We agree to the following values:

CLEAR PURPOSE To grow healthy spiritual lives by building a healthy discussion group community
GROUP ATTENDANCE To give priority to the group meeting (call if I am absent or late)
SAFE ENVIRONMENT To create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved (no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes)
BE CONFIDENTIAL To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group
CONFLICT RESOLUTION To avoid gossip and to immediately resolve any concerns by following the principles of Matthew 18:15-17
SPIRITUAL HEALTH To give group members permission to speak into my life and help me live a healthy, balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God
LIMIT OUR FREEDOM To limit our freedom by not serving or consuming alcohol during small group meetings or events so as to avoid causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Romans 14:19-21)
WELCOME NEWCOMERS To invite friends who might benefit from this study and warmly welcome newcomers
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS To get to know the other members of the group and pray for them regularly
OTHER ________________________________________________________________